The Apocalypse continues on Tuesday: Revisit the beginning of the end

Michael Eubanks
Staff Writer
mae7020@lhup.edu

The impending release of “Fallout 4” on Nov. 10 will likely provide fans of the series with many hours of post-apocalyptic entertainment.

Modern PC and console gamers are likely familiar with the Bethesda software series and are based on the same engine that produced “Oblivion” on “Skyrim” from the “Elder Scrolls” series.

If the marketing releases are to be believed, “Fallout 4” is the developer’s most ambitious title yet. As the company is known for its large scale, open world games, this is an exciting prospect for “Fallout” fans.

Those who are looking for a diversion while awaiting the release may want to check out the first two titles in the series. While not originally developed by Bethesda, they currently hold the rights, and have once again released the titles.

This recommendation comes with a few caveats. “Fallout” 1 and 2 are old games, and there age shows in various aspects of their game play. The games were not cutting edge graphically, even upon original release, and the archaic UI can feel clunky at first. The original titles were also produced in the turn based in an isometric perspective that original developer Black Isle Studios was known for.

Photo from bethesda.net

Adventurous gamers with a tolerance for the older style game will find a lot to like if they are willing to give it a chance, though. The original titles had a dark, campy humor that wasn’t afraid to take shots at the tropes within its own genre. They also had flexibility in both character development and gameplay that allowed for replay value.

Many challenges within the game could be overcome in multiple ways. The early titles boasted an engaging story and memorable characters in some ways, but the Bethesda titles have failed to replicate.

“Fallout 1” and “Fallout 2” are not for everyone. The control schemes are archaic and not always intuitive. The graphics have not aged well, and many of the systems, while similar on the surface, work differently than they do in the modern titles. But for those with a taste for nostalgia the titles are still worth checking out.